Karen Carpenter. Justine Bateman. Susan Dey. Mary-Kate Olsen. Nicole Richie. There are always new names in the celebrity news telling about girls and women battling with eating disorders. As a person who LOVES to eat - and loves to cook for others - it has been hard for me to understand the need to do without food. In fact, I've lacked the self control to even diet effectively. Wintergirls, by Laurie Halse Anderson (author of Speak), really draws the reader into the mind of a girl, Lia, suffering from anorexia. Her best friend Cassie was bulimic, and until Lia was put into a treatment center over a year ago, they shared their problems with each other. After Lia came back, Cassie had not wanted to be her friend any more. Now Cassie has died, alone in a motel -- and the night she died, she tried 33 times to call Lia. But Lia wouldn't answer her phone. And now she's dealing with the guilt and self-hatred in the usual way - by refusing to eat. Punishing herself, and proving how strong she can be. Her mental and physical deterioration are masterfully described - and you won't be able to read this book without truly understanding anorexia. It isn't a diet plan. Or a means to becoming a famous model and actress.For the descriptive language, the well-developed characters, the style (loved the cross-outs which were Lia's true thoughts), and the education, I give this book 3 out of 4 stars.
